KELEA

Capt Dane Hunter
Growing up on the remote island of Virgin Gorda, sailing has always been a part of Dane Hunter’s life. Piloting hobbie cats after school and spending family vacations on sloops and catamarans, the coves and inlets of the British Virgin Islands were his childhood backyard. But eventually, Dane’s love of sailing would take him far, far beyond these familiar waters.

Seizing an opportunity to volunteer aboard The Activ, a 100 year old top gallant schooner, Dane raced to meet the vessel in Svalbard, Norway. After a month of traditional sailing in the brutally cold Arctic Ocean, the ship was home, and Dane was hooked: he was going to become a professional skipper.

Over the next few years, Dane hopped on every voyage he could, helping deliver yachts up and down the Atlantic and beyond. He’s weathered storms in the Gulf of Mexico, navigated the strait of Gibraltar, and raced from the Canaries to Antigua.

By chance, during one of these voyages, Dane met the new owners of a boat in the British Virgin Islands — and they needed a skipper to show them around.

Returning to the islands where he’d first learned to sail, Dane discovered an entirely new talent: being an enthusiastic tour guide! Between his local connections and knowledge of the BVI’s countless hidden gems, he’s helped visitors experience truly unforgettable vacations.

Most recently, Dane is very happy to have found a home aboard Kelea (the Virgin Island's only Classic Privilege 65), where he can continue to show off his beloved islands the way they’re meant to be experienced: from the sea.